Hot Stove repeat after Colt 3-peat for Legends

It won't be the first time that the Los Gatos Legends will be recognized as winners at a Hot Stove banquet in San Jose. But then, it's not the first time that the local baseball team has won a Colt League World Series championship.

The Legends are repeat winners of a Hot Stove award after posting a three-peat win at the Colt Series. The squad won a similar local award in 2011.

Los Gatos, a team made up of players from throughout Santa Clara County, will be named as the year's Outstanding Amateur Organization at the 30th annual Hot Stove Banquet coming up Jan. 21 at the San Jose Elks Club, 444 W. Alma Ave.

A couple of guys who were in another World Series last year will also be honored at the Hot Stove event. Major Leaguers Daniel Nava of the World Champion Boston Red Sox and Daniel Descalso of the runner-up St. Louis Cardinals will top the list of award winners. Nava is the winner of the Major League Player of the Year award and Descalso is the Major League Special Achievement Award winner.

The Legends won it all last summer--claiming their third straight Colt World Series championship. The team of 15- and 16-year-olds crushed Puerto Rico in the finals to claim the title. Luke Rasmussen (Archbishop Mitty) was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after hitting .562 with two homers and six doubles. Kris Bubic (Mitty) was picked the tourney's Most Valuable Pitcher and shortstop Conor Thane (St. Francis) was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player.

Others winning Hot Stove awards include: Andre Mercurio of San Jose State University, College Player of the Year; Mark Appel of Stanford, College Pitcher of the Year; Mike Simonini of San Jose State, Brant Whiting of Stanford and Mike Couch of Santa Clara, Loyd Christopher Award; Tyler Keifer of West Valley College, Community College Player of the Year; Lucas Yovanovich of De Anza, Community College Pitcher of the Year; John Riley of Willow Glen, High School Player of the Year; Michael Strem of St. Francis, High School Pitcher of the Year; Nick Molina of Wilcox, Frank Bettencourt High School Academic Achievement Award; Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Minor League Player of the Year; Erik Johnson of the Chicago White Sox, Minor League Pitcher of the Year; Dean Stotz, Lifetime Achievement; Al Talboy, Service Award; Eric Kumota of the Oakland A's, Scout of the Year; Greg Charles, Ted Barrett Amateur Umpire Award; Darren Sabedra of the San Jose Mercury News, Media Award winner; Debbie Gallas of the Oakland A's, Kathy Wolff Women in Baseball Award winner.

Ted Robinson returns as the master of ceremonies. The cost is $50 per person or $500 for a reserved table for 10. Call 408.802.3756.